ICELAND HIKING

Day 1: Transfer from Reykjavik. Our trip starts off with a morning bus transfer from Reykjavik to Landmannalaugar. This beautiful area in the Icelandic Highlands is famous for its colorful mountains. After settling in, we hike a couple of hours (~5 miles) in the surrounding valleys and mountains offering panoramic views of the area. After dinner, take a soak and relax in the natural hot spring beneath the midnight sun!

Day 2: Hike to Hrafntinnusker (~7.5 miles). Today we start the official Laugavegur trek. We hike through old lava fields, over a few hills, past geothermal steam vents, and up to an open plateau. When we arrive at Hrafntinnusker, you can take an optional hike to see ice caves formed by geothermal water running beneath the snow- a truly incredible sight!

Day 3: Hike to Hvanngil (~11 miles). Today’s hike has a few very manageable ups and downs, hiking to a ridge that reveals surreal vistas of the highlands- you will be able to see volcanoes, glaciers, valleys, and lakes all from the same spot. This is perhaps one of the best views of the entire trip (and even in the world!). We pass by beautiful Lake Alftavatn before finishing for the day at Hvanngil, an old farmhouse where we spend the night at the hut!

Day 4: Hike to Emstrur (~7.5 miles). Today is one of the easiest days with a shorter distance and mostly flat terrain. We hike through a wide, open volcanic plain, past a powerful and scenic waterfall, and over several small rivers. We can start to see the infamous Eyjafjallajökull volcano and glacier in the distance- the powerful volcano that shut down transatlantic air travel with its mighty eruption in 2010.

Day 5: Hike to þórsmörk (~9.5 miles). Today’s hike does not have as much elevation as the previous days, but is still full of beauty! We cross the Syðri Emstruá canyon, hike through an Icelandic forest, and continue on towards Iceland’s most infamous volcano- Eyjafjallajökull. When we finally get to þórsmörk, we will reflect on our accomplishment and reminisce about all of the wonderful memories we shared over the past week hiking in the highlands! You can then choose to head back to Reykjavik after dinner or opt to spend an additional day exploring the canyons in the area.

Day 6: Optional Hiking & Return to Reykjavik. We start the morning hiking around þórsmörk, exploring a nearby canyon. This is one of the most beautiful hiking areas in all of Iceland, and you will be glad that you spent an extra day to discover the incredible canyons before heading back to Reykjavik!

Pre/Post Trip Travels. If you would like to see more of Iceland, we recommend going on our Iceland Highlights trip or doing a self drive tour! We also recommend visiting Akureyri in the north, flying to Greenland or the Faroe Islands, or make your Iceland visit part of the Iceland Stopover option that several airlines offer when flying between North America and mainland Europe!

This is the general itinerary that is used for the trip. Itineraries are subject to change based on weather and other circumstances.